Friday, August 27, 2010

Craft versus Voice

A writer friend, Frank Dorchak, poses the question of craft versus heart of writing fiction.

http://fpdorchak.wordpress.com/2010/08/28/what-is-writing-really/#comment-74

I say both are important and many others have said it better:
Craft:
“Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things undone. The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of non-essentials.” – Lin Yutang
Heart:
“When a thought takes one’s breath away, a grammar lesson seems an impertinence.” – Thomas W. Higginson

Inkpot says: We don't write just to show off craft or just to share our voices and hearts with others. We write like addicts when it seems we should give up. Why? Because the writing itself is cathartic and cheaper than a psychiatrist and drugs – unless they are generic.